Compare Masters Programs in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017

A masters is the first level of graduate coursework and can be obtained after you receive a bachelor’s degree. Earning a masters usually requires two years of full-time study, which amounts to 36 to 54 semester credits.

Political science provides individuals with an understanding of the executive, legislative, and judicial processes that are used to govern a country or society. Their impact on the economic and social structure is also examined.

Education in the United Kingdom is a devolved matter with each of the countries of the United Kingdom having separate systems under different governments: the UK Government is responsible for England, and the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are responsible for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively.

Study type

Study type

Pace

Pace

Sciences Po

CampusFull time2 yearsSeptember 2017United KingdomLondon

Sciences Po and LSE, both APSIA (Association of Professional School of International Affairs) members, decided to come together to offer graduate students a dual degree in international relations, the Double Degree in International Affairs.
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Best Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017. Master in International Affairs (Dual Degree with the London School of Economics)
Dual Degree - London School of Economics
A High Standard Programme
Sciences Po and LSE, both APSIA (Association of Professional School of International Affairs) members, decided to come together to offer graduate students a dual degree in international relations, the Double Degree in International Affairs, leading to a Master's degree from Paris School of International Affairs of Sciences Po and either the MSc in International Relations or the MSc in International Political Economy from LSE, thus uniting their efforts in an area they both excel in.
This specific 2-year programme is based on mutual recognition of the curriculum and the research focus at each school. It offers a top-level education in the area of international affairs to participating students, giving them the opportunity to develop a top-level career in private, public or international sector. Students enrol at both institutions and can thus benefit from a wider Alumni network.
Spanning a wide range of disciplines and bilingual teaching (in French and English), this selective programme offers courses in international relations, social sciences, and law, with a professional focus.
Provided all credits have been achieved in both institutions, students will graduate with a Master de Sciences Po and an MSc in International Relations or International Political Economy from the LSE.
Programme of studies
The Dual Degree Sciences Po – LSE in International Affairs runs for two academic years: the first year will be spent at Sciences Po and the second at LSE. Students remain enrolled in both institutions for the duration of the programme and therefore benefit from all students’ services (access to library, student unions, career services etc).
The courses are multi disciplinary, and students will choose among International Relations, History, Economics, Law, and Political Science with an international focus. Assessment will be the same as for the other students enrolled in the host school.
Final graduation will depend on satisfying the requirements of both years of the programme. Therefore, students receive a temporary graduation in July at Sciences Po and graduate in October of Year 2, providing they have completed the requirements of Year 2 at LSE and achieved the requisite number of credit points.
Studies: Year 1 at Sciences Po
During the first year at Sciences Po, students may join one of the following three master’s programs at the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA):
Master in International Economic Policy
Master in International Public Management
Master in International Security
Students may also join one the three following master’s programs at Sciences Po:
Master in European Affairs
Master in Public Policy
Master in Urban Policy
Students will take 60 credits at Sciences Po.
Studies: Year 2 at the LSE
The second year runs from October until September of the following year. It comprises three terms including the summer period for completion of the 10,000-word dissertation.
Students will enrol in either the MSc in International Relations or the MSc in International Political Economy.
Admissions
Application process
Candidates to the dual degree apply through Sciences Po’s website: http://www.sciencespo.fr/admissions/en/content/graduate-dual-degrees
Eligibility
The dual degree is open to all candidates worldwide.
Applicants do not have to be already enrolled at Sciences Po or LSE to apply for the dual degree.
Tuition fees
Students must pay the tuition fees applicable in their host institution (Sciences Po for Year 1 and LSE for year 2).
This is a dual degree with the London School of Economics.
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Sciences Po

King's College London and Sciences Po have expanded their historic partnership by initiating a joint Graduate Programme in International Affairs.
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Master in International Affairs (Dual Degree with King’s College London)
Dual Degree - King's College London
King's College London and Sciences Po have expanded their historic partnership by initiating a joint Graduate Programme in International Affairs. This programme allows participating students to obtain in two years of studies with a year each in Paris and London, both a Master's degree offered by the Paris School of International Affairs of Sciences Po (PSIA) and a Master's degree offered by one of a number of schools and departments within the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy at King's College London
Spanning a wide range of disciplines and bilingual teaching (in French and English), this selective programme will allow students to customise their training at both universities, and also to benefit from the numerous opportunities, networks and services offered on both sides of the Channel.
Programme of studies
With this collaboration, King's and Sciences Po are inaugurating a new, open and flexible type of joint degree which bridges 7 Master's programmes on the Sciences Po side and over 30 degree programmes on the King's side. These dozens of degree combinations therefore allow students to design their own path of study in international affairs in both Paris and London and benefit from top-level education. In advance of arriving to King's, students enrolled in the programme will be permitted, under specificregulations, to select their optional modules.
This joint graduate program is aimed at graduate students planning careers in diplomacy, international organisations and other areas of social and public policy at the national, European and global level.
Final graduation will depend on satisfying the requirements of both years of the programme. Therefore, students receive a temporary graduation in July at Sciences Po and graduate in October of Year 2, providing they have completed the requirements of Year 2 at King's and achieved the requisite number of credit points.
Studies: Year 1 at Sciences Po
During the first year at Sciences Po, students may join any one of the master's programs at the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA):
Master in International Security
Master in International Public Management
Master in International Economic Policy
Master in International Development
Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action
Master in Environmental Policy
Master in International Energy
Students will take 60 credits at Sciences Po.
Studies: Year 2 at King's College London
The second year runs from October until September of the following year.
Students will enrol in any of the more than 30 degree programs offered at King's College London offered within the following schools and departments:
School of Politics and Economics
Russia
MSc Russian Politics & Society
MSc Eurasian Political Economy & Energy
Department of Middle Eastern Studies
MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies
MA Middle Eastern Studies
MA Political Economy of the Middle East
Department of Political Economy
MA Political Economy
MA Public Policy
Department of European & International Studies
MA International Political Economy
MA European Studies
MA European Political Economy
School of Security Studies
Department of War Studies
MA Science & Security
MA Terrorism, Security & Society
MA International Peace & Security
MA South Asia & Global Security
MA International Relations
MA International Conflict Studies
MA War Studies
MA Non Proliferation & International Security
MA Conflict, Security & Development
MA Intelligence & International Security
MA History of Warfare
School of Global Affairs - To be confirmed for 2017 launch
Admissions
Application process
Candidates to the dual degree apply through Sciences Po’s website:
http://www.sciencespo.fr/admissions/en/content/graduate-dual-degrees
An estimated maximum of 25 students is expected to be admitted and enrolled per academic year. Prospective students must meet admission criteria for the chosen Master's programmes at both schools.
Eligibility
The dual degree is open to all candidates worldwide.
Applicants do not have to be already enrolled at Sciences Po or King's to apply for the dual degree.
Tuition fees
Students must pay the tuition fees applicable in their host institution (Sciences Po for Year 1 and King's for year 2).
This is a dual degree with King’s College London.
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The University of Nottingham - Faculty of Social Sciences

Helping students develop a broad understanding of the subject, this course includes a year abroad at one of 25 overseas institutions in locations such as Canada, Hong Kong and Australia.
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Best Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017. MSci International Relations and Global Issues
This innovative four-year degree leads to a masters level qualification. Years one, three and four will be spent at Nottingham; the second year will be spent at one of our partner institutions overseas (the choice will be governed by your academic progress).
Years one and three will follow the programme outlined in our BA Politics and International Relations degree with year four allowing you to take modules from the school's portfolio of masters programmes, and to research and write a dissertation.
Year one
Your first year will provide you with a broad knowledge across the discipline, focusing on the areas of international relations, comparative politics, British political history, and political theory. You will take some subsidiary modules from other schools within the University and, while many students opt to study a language module and continue this throughout their time at Nottingham, you can choose any subject you wish.
Year two
Year two is spent focusing on global issues in one of 25 partner institutions around the world, drawn from the Universitas 21 (U21) network, the school's European Erasmus exchange partners and The University of Nottingham's campuses in China and Malaysia.
Year three
Year three is spent back at Nottingham, where you will take modules chosen from the wide range offered on international relations and global issues. You need to choose at least three modules from the international relations stream in your third year and can either choose to specialise further by adding more of the same, or broaden your knowledge base by taking modules from comparative politics and political theory. Once again you are permitted to take subsidiary modules during this year.
Year four
During your fourth year you can choose from a selection of masters-level modules offered by the school, which cover a number of themes and issues and all deal critically with current world events. You will be able to deepen your knowledge of the subjects which interest you the most and the dissertation element will allow you to strengthen your research and analytical skills as well as thoroughly explore a question you find intriguing. Additionally, if you have started a language earlier in your studies you will be able to continue with this.
Entry requirements
A levels: AAA not including general studies or critical thinking
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must fulfil, as a minimum, the following condition:
IELTS: 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any element
Students who require extra support to meet the English language requirements for their academic course can attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) to prepare for their future studies. Students who pass at the required level can progress directly to their academic programme without needing to retake IELTS. Please visit the CELE webpages for more information.
Alternative qualifications
View the alternative qualifications page for details.
Flexible admissions policy
In recognition of our applicants’ varied experience and educational pathways, The University of Nottingham employs a flexible admissions policy. We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances. Please see the University’s admissions policies and procedures for more information.
Notes for applicants
We are looking for students who have the ability and motivation to benefit from our courses, and who will make a valued contribution to the department and the University. Candidates for full-time admission are considered on the basis of their Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) form.
Applications are considered solely on merit and academic potential. The selection process is normally based entirely on the UCAS application form - so it is important that this is completed correctly and fully. We do not normally interview applicants.
Modules
Typical year one modules
Core modules
British Political History Since 1945
Culture and Values in a Changing World
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Modern Political Theory
Political Theory from Ancient to Modern
Problems in Global Politics
Understanding Global Politics
Plus some subsidiary modules from outside the school to be chosen on arrival.
Typical year two modules
Year two is spent focusing on global issues in one of 25 partner institutions around the world.
Typical year three modules
Core modules
Airpower and Modern Warfare
International Politics of Race
Re-thinking the Cold War
The Rights and Wrongs of Climate Change
Optional modules
American Politics
Comparative Electoral Systems
European Union Politics
Gender and Development
Ideas and Politics in Contemporary Britain
Identity, Territory and Political Conflict
Immigration and Citizenship
Intervention in Africa
Parliamentary Studies
Politics and Drugs
Politics Placement
Property and its Critics
The War in Iraq
Typical year four modules
Core modules
Dissertation
Optional modules
Comparative Democratic Development
Designing Political Enquiry
Europe and the Developing World
Global Asia
Grand Strategy
International Political Economy
Justice Beyond Borders: Theories of International and Intergenerational Justice
Politics of South Asia
Quantitative Political Analysis
The Road to Guantanamo: the treatment and experience of prisoners, civilian internees and detainees since 1860
Secret Intelligence and International Security
Terrorism and Insurgencies
The Theory and Practice of Diplomacy
War, Peace and Terror
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result may change for reasons of, for example, research developments or legislation changes. The above list is a sample of typical modules we offer, not a definitive list.
Year abroad
The University of Nottingham has one of the biggest and most diverse study abroad programmes in the UK, and those who have studied abroad often say that it was the highlight of their time as a student.
This course has been specially designed to include the opportunity to spend either your second or third year abroad. You can choose to study at the University's campuses in China or Malaysia or at one of our international partner institutions in locations such as Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, Mexico and the USA (the choice will be governed by your academic progress). You'll get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your employability by experiencing another culture and will study similar modules to your counterparts back in Nottingham (teaching is in English).
"I learnt so much in my year away at Monash University in Australia and really matured as an individual. It offered me a life experience I don't feel I could have gained had I studied my whole degree at Nottingham. I would encourage anybody with the opportunity to go on exchange to take advantage of it!"
Benjamin Beck, MSci International Relations and Global Issues
Careers
At Nottingham you will acquire a strong academic foundation and a range of excellent transferable skills, such as the ability to study independently and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. You will leave us with specialist knowledge of international issues and political systems that will enhance your global career prospects.
Our graduates develop careers across the private, public and charitable sectors. Private sector destinations include print and television journalism, broadcasting, television and ﬁlm production, advertising, marketing and personnel as well as the commercial and ﬁnancial sectors. Some go into party politics as parliamentary assistants, councillors in local government and even MPs; others work for the civil service and in research and data analysis.
Third-sector careers include working for non-governmental organisations, charities and development agencies. Some graduates opt for further study or take vocational qualiﬁcations in postgraduate law or teaching.
Average starting salary and career progression
In 2015, 95% of first-degree graduates in the School of Politics and International Relations who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £21,728 with the highest being £35,000.*
*Known destinations of full-time home first degree undergraduates 2014/15. Salaries are calculated based on those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
Careers support and advice
Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. For the last three years Nottingham has been one of the two most targeted universities in the country by employers.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
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University of Portsmouth

CampusFull time1 yearAugust 2017United KingdomPortsmouth

If you want to enter or enhance a career in central, regional or local government, or in organisations in partnerships with governments, this course has been designed to meet your needs. It brings together people from a wide range of organisations to create an inter-cultural, inter-professional and inter-organisational educational environment.
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Integrated study of the management and administration of public sector organisations
Duration: 1 year full time
Tuition: -UK/EU - £4,600 (subject to annual increase); -Non EU - £11,500 (Full-time)
If you want to enter or enhance a career in central, regional or local government, or in organisations in partnerships with governments, this course has been designed to meet your needs. It brings together people from a wide range of organisations to create an inter-cultural, inter-professional and inter-organisational educational environment.
While we prefer applicants to have experience of a public sector managerial role, exceptions may be made for a good relevant degree.
We have both January and September start dates for this course.
On this course you can:
Examine the ways in which public policies are made and implemented and acquire specialist subject knowledge in fields relevant to your career choices
Compare policy processes and outputs within specific policy fields including health, education, welfare, economic development, defence, policing and European integration
Obtain a wider international perspective of public policies, management systems and administrative systems
What opportunities might it lead to?
The course delivers transferable lifelong skills that you will be able to apply to complex issues, both systematically and creatively. This will improve your capabilities and enable you to work with self-direction and originality, as well as help you contribute to public administration and society at large.
Entry requirements
A good honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. Preferably, applicants will have experience of working in a managerial role in a public sector organisation
English language requirements
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

This programme analyses the phenomena of terrorism and political violence as perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, drawing on various disciplines within the Social Sciences. Students will explore the theoretical, methodological
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Best Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017. This programme analyses the phenomena of terrorism and political violence as perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, drawing on various disciplines within the Social Sciences. Students will explore the theoretical, methodological, and ethical debates relating to the study of state and non-state violence, and will consider their implications for various international actors and policy-makers. Students will have input from research-active staff with considerable expertise in the fields of International Relations, Sociology and Criminology. Students will assess the measures taken by states and international organisations to deter terrorism, and the relationships between terrorism and counter-terror measures. Students will be asked to critique the various theoretical and methodological approaches deployed by social scientists to study these phenomena. The following questions will be explored: How are we to understand terrorism in contemporary society? How does terrorism differ from other forms of political violence? What is the impact of terrorism on civil liberties? Are there differences between the Global North and the Global South in relation to the use of political violence? How do the social sciences differ in their approaches to terrorism and political violence? The course will also consider the actual risk posed by international terrorism and whether or not the threat is enhanced by the fears and anxieties generated by a risk-averse culture.
Scholars and policymakers have all recognised the need to address security and terrorism issues from as broad a range of perspectives as possible, as this will lead to much deeper and better informed understandings of the problems. Therefore, the programme responds to this need, enabling students to explore the security and terrorism challenges we face in the contemporary world from a variety of perspectives drawing from disciplines across the Social Sciences, including International Relations, Sociology and Criminology, as well as drawing on expertise from law and human rights.
Programme structure
Full-time students complete the MA in Security and Terrorism over twelve months. Study is divided between taught modules, which last for one term each, and dissertation work. For full-time students, a total of six modules must be taken over the first two terms. Supervised dissertation work, on a relevant agreed subject, is then undertaken during the remainder of the academic year.
The MA can be taken on a part-time basis, typically over two years but flexible arrangements are also possible. When taking it over two years, part-time students choose three modules in each academic year, and write a supervised dissertation thereafter.
The programme is also offered in a 120 ECTS format – comprising nine taught modules plus a dissertation over 18 months – and as a Postgraduate Diploma – comprising six taught modules only – worth 120 Kent credits [60 ECTS]. Both the 120 ECTS version and the Diploma can also be taken on a part-time basis.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

This MA explores the theme of 'resistance' in political theory. It examines how this theme has featured in the history of political ideas from Plato to Badiou. It also investigates past and present practices of resistance
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This MA explores the theme of 'resistance' in political theory. It examines how this theme has featured in the history of political ideas from Plato to Badiou. It also investigates past and present practices of resistance in a wide range of activities including art, film, poetry and fiction. By linking theory to practice and focusing on a core thematic, this MA will develop an innovative approach to political thought encompassing historical, conceptual and practical knowledge. The core modules provide a strong grounding in theories and practices of resistance, and it offers students the opportunity to do an assessed practical performance.
Programme structure
Full-time students complete the MA in Political Theory and Practices of Resistance over twelve months. Study is divided between taught modules, which last for one term each, and dissertation work. For full-time students, a total of six modules must be taken over the first two terms. Supervised dissertation work, on a relevant agreed subject, is then undertaken during the remainder of the academic year.
The MA can be taken on a part-time basis, typically over two years but flexible arrangements are also possible. When taking it over two years, part-time students choose three modules in each academic year, and write a supervised dissertation thereafter.
The programme is also offered as a Postgraduate Diploma, which entails the same taught curriculum as the MA but does not require a dissertation. It is thus worth 120 credits [60 ECTS]. The Diploma can also be taken on a part-time basis.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

CampusFull time2 yearsSeptember 2017United KingdomCanterbury

Conflict, in its many forms, has been a permanent feature of human society. While not all conflict is destructive, the violent conduct of conflict has caused innumerable deaths and indescribable pain and suffering
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Best Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017. Conflict, in its many forms, has been a permanent feature of human society. While not all conflict is destructive, the violent conduct of conflict has caused innumerable deaths and indescribable pain and suffering. It is this kind of deadly conflict that Peace and Conflict Studies addresses. It tries to understand its causes, to explain its effects and to describe its dynamics in order to prepare actors, be they state governments, international organisations or individuals, to better manage conflict peacefully, or to prevent it in the first place. This degree examines the major theories and leading practices of conflict and conflict resolution in international affairs, supplementing theory with detailed case studies. Topics include risk analysis, negotiation, mediation, conference diplomacy, twin track diplomacy, third party intervention, peace keeping, peace making, and coercive diplomacy. The programme includes simulation exercises. The programme draws on the vast pool of expertise on conflict analysis, management and resolution in the School and benefits from the presence of the Conflict Analysis Research Centre, a leading research centre in the field.
This programme offers the opportunity to study at the University of Marburg. You will spend the first year in Canterbury and the second year in Marburg where courses will be taught in English. Students start the programme in Kent as this is the more convenient option regarding the internship, because the Spring Term at Kent University ends in early April which allows students to do the internship between April and September. This allows time for an internship of 10 weeks during the period of April until early September.
*Please note that this programme might change to a Joint degree in the future which would mean that students would receive one Masters degree offered jointly by Kent and Marburg rather than two master's degree.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

This is the first MA programme to provide an insight into the emerging synergy between national security planning and international security challenges. The curriculum provides students with a good grounding in the study of the contending
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This is the first MA programme to provide an insight into the emerging synergy between national security planning and international security challenges. The curriculum provides students with a good grounding in the study of the contending approaches and issues in international security and the challenges of national security planning in the age of terror. Students benefit from studying in a research-active and policy informed learning environment. The two core modules are team taught and deal with issues that range from homeland security, counter terrorism, war crimes, non proliferation and energy security. The course also explores the use of non military tools to combat terrorism and the infringement of civil liberties and problems of social cohesion in national security planning. As new international security challenges such as international terrorism and organised crime directly bear upon national security issues like civil emergency planning, there is an increasing need to understand what the new security challenges are and how the lines between international and national security are now so often interchangeable.
Programme structure
Full-time students complete the MA in International Security and the Politics of Terror over twelve months. Study is divided between taught modules, which last for one term each, and dissertation work. For full-time students, a total of six modules must be taken over the first two terms. Supervised dissertation work, on a relevant agreed subject, is then undertaken during the remainder of the academic year.
The MA can be taken on a part-time basis, typically over two years but flexible arrangements are also possible. When taking it over two years, part-time students choose three modules in each academic year, and write a supervised dissertation thereafter.
The programme is also offered in a 120 ECTS format – comprising nine taught modules plus a dissertation over 18 months – and as a Postgraduate Diploma – comprising six taught modules only – worth 120 Kent credits [60 ECTS]. Both the 120 ECTS version and the Diploma can also be taken on a part-time basis.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

Conflict, in its many forms, has been a permanent feature of human society. While not all conflict is destructive, the violent conduct of conflict has caused innumerable deaths and indescribable pain and suffering. It
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Best Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017. Conflict, in its many forms, has been a permanent feature of human society. While not all conflict is destructive, the violent conduct of conflict has caused innumerable deaths and indescribable pain and suffering. It is this kind of deadly conflict that International Conflict Analysis addresses. It tries to understand its causes, to explain its effects and to describe its dynamics in order to prepare actors, be they state governments, international organisations or individuals, to better manage conflict peacefully, or to prevent it in the first place. This degree examines the major theories and leading practices of conflict and conflict resolution in international affairs, supplementing theory with detailed case studies. Topics include risk analysis, negotiation, mediation, conference diplomacy, twin track diplomacy, third party intervention, peace keeping, peace making, and coercive diplomacy. The programme includes simulation exercises. The programme draws on the vast pool of expertise on conflict analysis, management and resolution in the Department and benefits from the presence of the Conflict Analysis Research Centre, a leading research centre in the field.
Programme structure
Full-time students complete the MA in International Conflict Analysis over twelve months. Study is divided between taught modules, which last for one term each, and dissertation work. For full-time students, a total of six modules must be taken over the first two terms. Supervised dissertation work, on a relevant agreed subject, is then undertaken during the remainder of the academic year.
The MA can be taken on a part-time basis, typically over two years but flexible arrangements are also possible. When taking it over two years, part-time students choose three modules in each academic year, and write a supervised dissertation thereafter.
The programme is also offered in a 120 ECTS format – comprising nine taught modules plus a dissertation over 18 months – and as a Postgraduate Diploma – comprising six taught modules only – worth 120 Kent credits [60 ECTS]. Both the 120 ECTS version and the Diploma can also be taken on a part-time basis.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

The European Union profoundly shapes the way politics and democracy work in Europe and is an influential actor on the global stage. It is a fascinating political system, whose complex nature generates passions and controversies
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The European Union profoundly shapes the way politics and democracy work in Europe and is an influential actor on the global stage. It is a fascinating political system, whose complex nature generates passions and controversies and is at the forefront of today’s political debates. The MA in European and Global Governance is designed to provide an advanced understanding of the EU within a global context to those wishing to specialise on European affairs and prepare for a career in the EU policy-making sphere or as a specialist on Europe in the rest of the world. It adopts a multi-disciplinary approach drawing from a wide range of courses in International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Law, with particular focus on the constitutional design, processes of decision-making, public policy analysis, and the role of the EU in the world. The programme draws on Kent’s vast pool of expertise on European International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Law and benefits from the presence of the Global Europe Centre, a multidisciplinary research centre focussed on the study of Europe within a global context.
Programme Structure
Full-time students complete the MA in European and Global Governance – worth 180 Kent [90 ECTS] credits – over twelve months. Study is divided between taught modules, which last for one term each, and dissertation work. For full-time students, a total of six modules must be taken over the first two terms. Supervised dissertation work, on a relevant agreed subject, is then undertaken during the remainder of the academic year. Full time students complete the PDip in European and Global Governance – worth 120 Kent [60 ECTS] credits – over seven months. The PDip comprises six taught modules only – i.e. without a dissertation.
Both the MA and the PDip can be taken on a part-time basis, typically over two years but flexible arrangements are also possible. When taking it over two years, part-time students choose three modules in each academic year, and – in the case of the MA – write a supervised dissertation thereafter.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is essential to have a global perspective on politics. The MA in Comparative Politics offers you an advanced understanding of the key political questions of our age, studied
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Best Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is essential to have a global perspective on politics. The MA in Comparative Politics offers you an advanced understanding of the key political questions of our age, studied through the comparison of different political systems across the five continents. You will acquire the theoretical and empirical knowledge needed to deal with questions in political behaviour and mass participation; governmental institutions and policy making; public values, attitudes, and opinion; tolerance and trust; mass media; collective action and social movements; parties and party systems; and modernisation and democratisation. You will also be trained in the methodological skills necessary to pursue your own research interests, in particular for the dissertation. The programme draws on Kent’s pool of expertise on Comparative Politics, brought together in the Comparative Politics Research Group, and offers you the opportunity to spend a term at one of our partner institutions in Continental Europe. It offers a solid preparation for a range of professional careers in fields such as research, government, international organisations, and the media or a foundation for further studies at doctoral level.
If you study full-time, you will complete this version of the MA in Comparative Politics – worth 240 Kent [120 ECTS] credits – over twenty-four months. Study is divided between taught modules, which last for one term each, and dissertation work. For full-time students a total of nine taught modules must be taken, over two terms in the first year and in the first term of the second year. You may spend the first term of the second year at one of our partner institutions in Continental Europe, subject to approval by the Programme Director and subject to having achieved an average of 50% in the first year. Supervised dissertation work, on a relevant agreed subject, is then undertaken during the remainder of the second year.
This version of the programme can be taken on a part-time basis, typically over four years but flexible arrangements are also possible. When taking it over four years, part-time students do three modules in each of the first three academic years and write a supervised dissertation in the fourth year.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

The School has a long tradition of high-quality research among its staff and students. The School’s vibrant research culture attracts students from all over the world who conduct research at the forefront of our discipline
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The School has a long tradition of high-quality research among its staff and students. The School’s vibrant research culture attracts students from all over the world who conduct research at the forefront of our discipline. The breadth of expertise within the School enables us to provide research supervision on a very wide range of topics across Politics and International Relations.
Research students can specialise in one of the following four areas:
- Comparative Politics, MA-R, MPhil, PhD
- International Conflict Analysis MA, MPhil, PhD
- International Relations, MA-R, MPhil, PhD
- Political and Social Thought, MA-R, MPhil, PhD
MA-R
The MA-R is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme. Candidates research and write a thesis of a maximum of 40,000 words under the supervision of one or two academic staff. The formal requirement to obtain the qualification is that the thesis must show the candidate is able to conduct an independent study, to understand its relationship to a wider field of knowledge, and to organise and present the thesis in an appropriate manner.
MPhil
The MPhil is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time programme. Candidates research and write a thesis of a maximum of 56,000 words under the supervision of two academic staff. The formal requirement to obtain the qualification is that the thesis must show the ability to conduct an original investigation, to test ideas, and to understand the relationship between the theme of the thesis and the wider field of knowledge of which it forms a part.
PhD
The PhD is a three-year full-time or five-year part-time programme. Candidates research and write a thesis of a maximum of 100,000 words under the supervision of two academic staff. The formal requirement to obtain the qualification is that the thesis must be an original contribution to knowledge or understanding of the field under investigation and be of such scholarly merit as to justify publication.
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University of Kent, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research

Research Degrees at Kent cover a range of range of areas including comparative policy analysis; the ‘Third Sector’; the organization
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Best Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017. Research Degrees at Kent cover a range of range of areas including comparative policy analysis; the ‘Third Sector’; the organization and delivery of welfare; the analysis and management of risk in health and welfare; social policy in the Middle East; “race” and ethnicity; work; the welfare state, risk and society, violence, NGOs, social aspects of the body, and religion.
We offer:
- High-quality supervision across a wide range of areas.
- Individually tailored supervisory teams.
- A careful programme of induction, monitoring and development designed to advance your studies and career.
- Membership of School Research Groups
- Career development through a Professional Seminar Series
- Access to a range of seminar series
- Membership of study groups.
If you wish to join with us to study for a research degree, it is advisable to make contact with a potential supervisor in order to develop with them a proposal.
Attendance
- MA one year full-time or two years part-time
- MPhil two years full-time or three years part-time
- PhD three years full-time or five years part-time.
Start: At any time, but preferably in September
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University of Kent, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research

The MA in Political Sociology combines sociology and political science to address key issues of social and political change in modern societies. It examines the interaction and interdependence among social and political
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The MA in Political Sociology combines sociology and political science to address key issues of social and political change in modern societies. It examines the interaction and interdependence among social and political institutions, processes and action, especially collective action, and is distinctive in its focus on social and political movements, protest, and the less conventional and institutionalised forms of political action and participation, environmental politics and globalisation.
Depending upon your choice of option modules, the programme will also give you:
- An understanding of the theoretical problems of political sociological inquiry and their relationship to research practices
- Knowledge of the methodological procedures used to investigate a wide range of practical and substantive issues
- Skills in practical research-related tasks
- Awareness of the range of secondary data available and the ability to evaluate its utility for your research
- The opportunity to develop transferable employment-related skills through group work, presentations and the use of information technologies
- An enhanced capacity to undertake independent research.
The programme is also designed to enhance your professional development. We place considerable emphasis on the socialisation of graduate students into a research community. This is reflected in our pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning. There is less didactic teaching and more emphasis on structured seminars with greater participation from students. Class sizes are generally much smaller than at undergraduate level and you will be taught by established members of the academic staff, many of whom are internationally recognized leaders in their particular fields of inquiry. This facilitates close working relationships between staff and students. You will also be encouraged to participate in the staff/graduate seminar which allows MA and research students the opportunity to become more fully involved in a professional research culture, and to meet visiting speakers from many universities in Britain and beyond.
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University of Kent, School of Politics and International Relations

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is essential to have a global perspective on politics. The MA in Comparative Politics offers you an advanced understanding of the key political questions of our age, studied through the
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Best Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom 2017. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is essential to have a global perspective on politics. The MA in Comparative Politics offers you an advanced understanding of the key political questions of our age, studied through the comparison of different political systems across the five continents. You will acquire the theoretical and empirical knowledge needed to deal with questions in political behaviour and mass participation; governmental institutions and policy making; public values, attitudes, and opinion; tolerance and trust; mass media; collective action and social movements; parties and party systems; and modernisation and democratisation. You will also be trained in the methodological skills necessary to pursue your own research interests, in particular for the dissertation. The programme draws on Kent’s pool of expertise on Comparative Politics, brought together in the Comparative Politics Research Group. It offers a solid preparation for a range of professional careers in fields such as research, government, international organisations, and the media or a foundation for further studies at doctoral level.
Qualifications
Students who wish to apply for a higher degree must normally possess or be expected to obtain equivalent to a UK first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant or appropriate subject such as Politics, International Relations, European Studies, Law or History. For admission to the MPhil/PhD programme, we normally require a Masters degree with a Distinction or a Merit. In some circumstances, relevant professional qualifications and work experience are taken into account in lieu of formal educational qualifications.
English
The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree, we recommend that students take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as an IELTS or PTE:
- IELTS certificate with a minimum score of 6.5 including 6.0 in reading and writing
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade C.
Only English Language tests taken up to a maximum of two years prior to the start date of registration will be accepted for admission into the University.
We can often waive the English requirement for non-native speakers of English that have obtained a higher degree of education which was taught entirely in English. In order for us to waive the English requirement applicants will need to provide a document from their University confirming that the medium of instruction for their degree was English. Please note if applicants require a visa to study in the UK, they will have to take an English test due to the visa regulations set out by UKVI.
TOEFL tests
You may or may not be aware that Education Testing Service (ETS), who administer TOEFL tests, licence to carry out secure English language tests for UKVI purposes has come to an end and has not been extended. Due to this, the University of Kent will only accept TOEFL tests dated up to and including 17th April 2014. Please also note, that those applicants who wish to use a TOEFL certificate as part of their visa application will need to make their visa application and pay the visa fee before 22nd July 2014. The only exception is for those applicants who will be taking our 1 year International Foundation Programme, in which case the visa application must be made and the visa fee paid by 1st October 2014. After these dates, visa applications relying on TOEFL certificates will not be accepted.
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